If you’re looking to break into the Entertainment Industry, a Production Assistant is an excellent place to start. Production Assistants are usually responsible for all sorts of tasks that contribute directly to the production process. This post will give you a quick rundown on how Production Assistants work and what skills they need to succeed in this career.
Related: Film Crew Positions: Every Job on a TV and Movie Set
What does a production assistant do?
A Production Assistant is responsible for a wide variety of tasks, depending on the production. They may help set up and break down equipment, run errands for the crew, or handle administrative duties. In some cases, they may also be responsible for managing talent or directing traffic on set.
Production Assistants are typically entry-level positions, so Production Assistants aren’t expected to know everything right away. They will be given instructions by the Producer or Director about what needs to get done for that particular shoot.
Production Assistants need to take direction well and help out with whatever is required.
What are some typical duties of a production assistant?
Production Assistants are responsible for various tasks on set, such as organizing equipment, keeping track of paperwork, and getting coffee for the crew. They may also be asked to run errands or do simple tasks like moving furniture. Production Assistants need to take direction well and complete their jobs efficiently. Production Assistants also need to quickly and calmly deal with unexpected or unusual situations that might arise on set. Production Assistant interns will often have a list of tasks they are responsible for, so if you get confused or lose track of your assignments, it can make everyone’s jobs difficult.
Production Assistant internships are a fantastic way to gain valuable work experience, build your resume and network in the industry. Production Assistant internships are a great way to get hands-on training that will help you succeed as a Production Assistant later on. Production Assistants have many responsibilities, but it’s a gratifying job with tons of opportunities for advancement!
How do you get started as a production assistant?
To become a Production Assistant, you will need some experience in the entertainment industry. This could be through internships or working on student films. Production Assistants are often given their start this way, as they can learn the ropes and develop their skills while working closely with more experienced crew members.
If you don’t have any experience yet, Production Assistants are almost always entry-level positions, so you will likely need to start as a Production Assistant Intern or PA Trainee. You can find Production Assistant internships and Production Assistant traineeships through your school’s career center, production companies in your area, or by reaching out directly to Production Professionals with whom you would be interested in working. Production Assistant internships are often paid between $10 to $20 an hour, so Production Assistants will need to have enough money saved up for living expenses while working part-time or full-time hours on set.
What skills and training do you need to become a production assistant?
Production Assistants need to be organized and detail-oriented. Production Assistant interns will often have a list of tasks they are responsible for, so if you get confused or lose track of your assignments, it can make everyone’s job difficult.
Production Assistants also need to handle the stress levels on set. Though this isn’t always a high-pressure job, there are times when things can get hectic. Production Assistants need to stay calm under pressure and complete their tasks efficiently.
Production Assistant interns will also benefit from knowing the production process. This could be through taking classes in film or TV production or by watching how-to videos online. Production Assistants don’t need to be experts in every area, but having a basic understanding of what’s going on behind the scenes will help them do their job better.
If you’re interested in becoming a Production Assistant, start by looking for internships or traineeships in your area. Get involved with your school’s film or TV production program, and watch how-to videos online to learn more about the production process. Stay organized and calm under pressure, and take direction well. With these skills, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful Production Assistant!
What careers can you make after becoming a production assistant?
Production Assistants can move up the ladder and become producers or production managers. To do this, they will need to have a good understanding of the production process and experience working in various roles on set. Production Assistants can also find work in other areas of the entertainment industry, such as post-production, marketing, or distribution. With the right skills and experience, Production Assistants can work their way up to become some of the most important members of a film or TV production crew.
How much money does a production assistant make?
Production Assistants make anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 a year. This varies depending on the production company, the city or state you live in, and your experience level. Production Assistants with more experience or working on bigger productions can make up to $70,000 a year.
What is the average hourly wage for a Production Assistant?
Production Assistants in the United States typically make between $12 and $20 an hour. Production Assistants in some areas, such as New York City, can earn up to $25 or more an hour. This wage will vary depending on your experience level and the size of production you are working on.
Do you have to live in Los Angeles to become a production assistant?
Production Assistants can find work in almost any city. However, this job is very competitive, and Production Assistant traineeships are harder to come by outside of major cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, or New York City. If you want to become a Production Assistant but would prefer not to live in the big city, consider moving there for your first Production Assistant internship. Production companies are always on the lookout for new talent, and you never know when an opportunity might arise.
How long does it take to become a production assistant?
Production Assistants typically need between one and two years of experience before moving up to a producer or production manager role. This will vary depending on your skillset and the size of Production Assistant companies in your area. Production Assistants who can work their way up the ladder quickly will stand a better chance at finding a good Production Assistant job and can increase their salary accordingly.
Where can you find production assistant jobs?
Production Assistant jobs can be found all over the United States and in almost any city. Production Assistants find work through recruiters, job listings online, word of mouth, or by getting involved with film festivals and events in your area. Production assistants sometimes go door-to-door looking for talent at local TV & film productions that might need extra help during the show. If you’re creative and proactive, you’ll be able to find a Production Assistant job in no time!
For more on how to get work on a film crew, check out Project Casting’s Staff & Crew Jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do you need to be a production assistant?
Production Assistants do not need any specific qualifications to become Production Assistants. However, you will need some experience in the entertainment industry and work under pressure. You should also take direction well and have good communication skills.
Is it hard to become a production assistant?
Production Assistants are a vital part of the entertainment industry, and Production Assistant jobs can be found all over the country. However, this job is very competitive, and production companies receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for Production Associate positions each year. The best way to stand out from other applicants is with experience in various roles on set or by becoming involved with
How do I get a job as a production assistant?
Production Assistants can find work in almost any city. However, this job is very competitive, and Production Assistant traineeships are harder to come by outside of major cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, or New York City. If you want to become a Production
Can I be a production assistant if I live overseas?
Production Assistants work on film sets all over the United States. However, if you live overseas, you will need to travel to the United States for work. Production companies are always looking for new talent, and you never know when an opportunity might arise.
